Prep baseball: Jefferson’s Maldonado commits to UF

Jefferson High outfielder Nelson Maldonado committed to play baseball at the University of Florida, Dragons coach Juan Fontela said on Monday.

Maldonado, a first-team Tampa Tribune All-Hillsborough County selection last season, hit .432 with 25 runs, 26 RBIs and four home runs in 2014.

Fontela said Maldonado has been a natural leader on the field for the Dragons.

“The way he is on the field as a leader and how he carries himself, guys follow him,” Fontela said. “Just by his play and his work ethic, those things spread throughout the team, and he has the respect of his teammates.”